Sunday, December 16, 2012

My heart is overwhelmed. I just finished a weekend of four concerts, and my heart is full,

to overflowing.

Overwhelmed by grace.

It is only by His grace that I can worship...and I know I can't do it in my own strength. I'm overwhelmed that He has given me this skill (feeble as it often is). But in truth, it means nothing if it isn't for Him. It's moments like this that I recognize my own broken-ness even more and revel in His gift of grace.

Full of joy.

There is nothing that gives me more joy then worshipping the Lord through song. I can't help but smile as I play, and my heart can't help but soar.

Pulled into His embrace.

There is never a sweeter feeling than being pulled into His embrace. Reaching my arms to Him to be comforted and filled with contentment.

Surrounded by peace.

Realizing that peace is something that only comes through Christ. Through Jesus. It creeps into to messy situations, to heartbreak, to loneliness; there is stillness. Recognizing that life is okay, because God is with us. Emmanuel. (Thank you, Aimee!)

I literally sobbed my way home tonight. Overwhelmed by these realizations.

So full of joy, wonder, contentment, and love.

Psalm 34, vs. 3 "Glorify the Lord with me; let us exalt His name together."

vs. 8 "Taste and see that the Lord is good; blessed is the one who takes refuge in Him."

Wednesday, December 5, 2012

All three are connected, intertwined so they can't be separated. And all, when neglected, leave one exhausted.

Life seems to take on a new form of busyness. A busyness of the mind. Where reality seems to cave in and collide all at the same time. The emotions can't cope, and they slowly turn off -- And you sink into a place of unfeeling.

This leaves the physical realm much to be desired. When unable to handle the cartwheels going through your mind, the last thing you feel like doing is real cartwheels. Life seems easier from the desk chair and from the couch.

And while you know that the Comforter is always ready to hear from you, it's all your little soul can do to indeed remember that He is there. You're holding on by a thread.

When upset, find one small area that brings you joy. Find a reason to smile

When sad, look out the window and find beauty. Revel in it.

When lonely, call a friend. Don't wait for them to call you.

When exhausted, either take a nap or do some push-ups.

And in all things, give thanks. To Him. The Giver of Life. The Healer of Dreams. The Prince of Peace. The One True Rest.

"Bless the Lord, O my soul: and all that is within me, bless his holy name. Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits: Who forgives all your iniquities; who heals all your diseases; Who redeems, who satisfies your mouth with good things; so that your youth is renewed like the eagle's. The Lord executes righteousness and judgement for all that are oppressed." Psalm 103:1-6